Real Madrid returns to the EuroLeague final this Sunday, carrying the same confidence that carried them there a season ago in Belgrade. With a powerhouse roster and a history of success, the team aims to lift another trophy and add it to the ten shiny titles already on their shelf. Opposite them is a formidable Zalgiris Kaunas squad at the Zalgirio Arena, a matchup that promises intensity and strategic chess between two of European basketball’s heavyweights. The game tips off at 19:00 local time, with the match broadcast on DAZN, and the betting markets clearly favoring Madrid as the favorites. A subsequent clash will see Madrid face either Barça or Monaco for third place, a game scheduled for 16:00, seen by many as a chance for redemption after a tough path to the final.
ONE MORE GAME
Bracket nearly complete I #F4GLORY pic.twitter.com/sfzIRMAJsQ
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague — EuroLeague Basketball
We are always looking for opportunities, and one win stands between the team and the championship. The focus is sharp, and the challenges faced along the way have only strengthened them. The Madrid coach, Chus Mateo, brings a wealth of experience and a balanced record of 2-1 against the whites who won their last championship in 2015. Just hours before the final, the sense of anticipation is palpable as two historic clubs prepare to collide on the biggest stage in European club basketball, with Madrid determined to seal a dramatic season with a prestigious title.
Tavares as a reference
The road to this point has been paved through adversity. A tough playoff battle, including a decisive loss to Kaunas in a 0-2 rhythm, forged a stronger collective spirit. The team responded by defeating Barça in the semi finals, demonstrating resilience and a belief that they could shape the outcome. The likes of Yabusele, Deck, and the entire Madrid roster have embraced a flexible, winner-takes-all mindset that defines their identity in these crucial moments. Edy Tavarres emerged as a pivotal figure, delivering a standout performance with 20 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks, and a high efficiency rating that highlighted his impact on both ends of the court. The veteran presence of Sergio Rodríguez, along with Llull and Rudy Fernández, added leadership during the decisive stretch of the semi final against Barça in the closing minutes.
“Win or lose is part of the game, but leaving your soul on the court is part of our history and our club,” Mateo said at the official press conference for the tournament. The exchange included mention of Olympiacos coach Georgios Bartzokas and Greek guard Kostas Sloukas, acknowledging the daunting challenge ahead and the rich tradition of battles between these programs. The coach recognized the greatness of their opponent and the history of intense finals that have defined European basketball in recent years, while remaining focused on the task at hand for Madrid.
“They are here despite the great shortcomings; they have prevailed,” he added, reflecting on yesterday’s performance by Barça and the overall quality of both teams entering the final phase. The memory of past clashes, including the famous encounter in Istanbul that played a pivotal role in guiding Olympiakos to victory in 2013, was invoked to underscore the unpredictable nature of a final that rarely follows a script. The sense of competition is fierce, and every possession carries weight when two storied clubs meet for a continental crown.
own style
In Piraeus, Bartzokas is known for building a sturdy, cohesive unit that can withstand pressure and outlast opponents. The backbone of that approach has long been the playmaking of Kostas Sloukas and the versatility of his wing teammates, an ethos that echoes through this season as two Greek pillars continue to shine. The MVP candidate Sasha Vezenkov has carried the legacy of the team with intelligent decision-making and scoring efficiency, echoing past battles that defined the club’s identity in the modern era. Players like Papanikolaou have also featured prominently, delivering steady contributions that keep the team balanced and dangerous at every level of the floor.
Madrid, in the current composition, also features a powerful inside-out dynamic with the bench contributing critical minutes. The forward and guard rotations provide depth and adaptability, allowing the team to shift gears during stretches of intense defense or rapid-fire offense. The defensive discipline, combined with a multi-faceted offensive threat, has created a unit that can strike quickly and maintain momentum across different phases of the game. The team remains committed to a philosophy that rewards effort, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, especially when the stakes are highest. Their focus on defense and disciplined execution has allowed them to leverage their talent in ways that overwhelm opposing schemes, turning close games into decisive finishes when it matters most.
As fans and analysts in North America and across Canada keep a keen eye on the EuroLeague final, the narrative centers on the balance between experienced leadership and the fresh energy injected by younger talents. The clash promises a duel of strategic minds and individual brilliance, with a championship bid on the horizon that could redefine the season for both programs. The event remains a reminder of why European basketball continues to captivate audiences with high-intensity play, strategic depth, and a storied history that spans decades.